Whether you like to cook at home or eat out, whether you like to relax on the beach and take it easy or go out and explore the town, the Outer Banks offers a plethora of options. Below are some of our family’s favorites:
Activities
Kill Devil Hills (KDH)
Wright Brother’s Memorial (National Park)
This is such a unique place to visit as it provides such a thorough history of the foundation of flight. A hike to the top of the memorial after the tour provides a phenomenal view of the island from the ocean across to the sound.
Manteo
Elizabethan Gardens
Currently, this is our daughter’s “favorite place in the United States” as she states in her little four-year-old voice. She absolutely loves to find the several fairy placards that are spread throughout the garden, the butterfly house, and their playground – which allows her her to burn off whatever energy she hasn’t burnt off by the time we get that far into the walk.
Lost Colony
This place is wonderful history buffs who like to learn about history of the areas they’re visiting.
Island Farm
As mentioned on their website, Island farm is “a living history site that tells the story of the everyday Outer Bankers that lived on Roanoke Island in the 1850s.”
Roanoke Island Festival Park
If you can’t tell from the theme of the house, our family LOVES live music. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting while there is a concert – or any event for that matter – happening at this magical location, we highly recommend you check it out. There is no better backdrop for a stage than the beautiful sound! This is our favorite venue on the entire East Coast (trust us, with one of us being a as a former touring “dead-head,” this claim is pretty significant).
Nags Head
Water Sports
Jet Ski, Kayak, and Stand-Up Paddleboard
Outlets of Nags Head
There are many stores here for those who love to shop
Groceries
Seafood
- Fresh Fish, clams, and oysters: Austin’s Fish Market 3711 S. Croatan Hwy (MP 12.5) Nags Head, NC 27959
- Cooked crabs by the 1/2 or full bushell: O’Neal’s Sea Harvest
618 Harbor Rd, Wanchese, NC 27981 - Frozen Fish and scallops – Fresh Catch 4331 Mill Landing Rd, Wanchese, NC 27981
Groceries and Alcohol
- Groceries, beer, and/or wine:
- Food Lion and Fresh Market both have phone apps that our family regularly uses to do our grocery shopping from the beach. They charge a flat fee of $1.99 to shop for you if you plan to pick it up, however, if you are having too much fun to drive, they will deliver for a slightly higher fee plus tip.
- Food Lion tends to have better prices, however, the Fresh Market bakery as well as their meat, seafood, and deli counters offer wonderful quality and variety for around the same price.
- Harris Teeter has a wonderful meat counter that we frequent when we want a nice steak for surf and turf, it’s located in Kill Devil Hills but it’s worth the trek.
- Food Lion and Fresh Market both have phone apps that our family regularly uses to do our grocery shopping from the beach. They charge a flat fee of $1.99 to shop for you if you plan to pick it up, however, if you are having too much fun to drive, they will deliver for a slightly higher fee plus tip.
- Liquor
- NC has state stores designated to liquor sales. There is one in Manteo (9.6 miles away) and another in Nags Head just before entering Kill Devil Hills (11.6 miles away near the Harris Teeter).
Restaurants
Brunch
Fresh Fit Café
They live up to their name as they offer fresh and fit food options. They even have something for people who maintain vegan and gluten-free lifestyles.
Grits Grill
From their generous portion sized to the style of their food, this place permeates southern hospitality.
Lunch/Dinner
Food Dudes Kitchen
The food here is very fresh and they offer options for both seafood lovers and those less enthusiastic about the fresh seafood the Outer Banks has to offer.
Nags Head Pizza Compay
The pizza here is amazing! They have unique ingredients for those who are adventurous as well as your standard ones. They deliver not only pizza but positivity with their famous and inspirational pizza box quotes.
Owens’ Restaurant
This is a great restaurant for special occasions. The food is great and it maintains the classic Nags Head vibe that so many people who have frequented the Outer Banks for decades remember.
Tortuga’s Lie Shellfish Bar & Grill
We love their shrimp tacos and laid back vibe. We’re also just a little partial to the artist who painted the murals inside of the restaurant.